Thursday, February 4, 2010

(UPI) -- A British couple said they are appealing an order from local officials to repaint their pink cottage white because neighbors called it "offensive" and "tacky."

James Rogers and Alison Hall said they have repainted the Acton Beauchamp, England, cottage about every four years since purchasing it in 1984. But it wasn't until they painted the cottage Rose Madder, a shade of pink, that council planners ordered them to paint the home white and keep it that way, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.

"It's an absolute disgrace and makes the whole village look tacky," said neighbor Brian Taylor, 62. "Why ruin a perfectly nice home with such an offensive color?"

The couple said officials are pointing to the cottage's status as a grade II-listed property, a category the government reserves for buildings of special architectural or historic interest, in ordering the repainting.

Rogers said he and Hall are appealing to the Government's Planning Inspectorate to have the home delisted so they can paint it whatever color they choose.